Answers To Tough Interview Questions: Steps 3, 4 & 5
How to give great answers to tough interview questions
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| 3. It's ok to ask for time to think |
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A few moments to think helps you come back with a great answer, rather than a "regret-it-later" response.
Many interview questions are designed to make the candidate think for potentially obscure examples from their past, so you need time to think. If you need a few seconds to think, just ask for them.
Most interviewers would rather wait for a great answer than have to endure "yet another" waffled and less relevant response. In fact, sometimes it can count against you if you answer too quickly, because the interviewer thinks you're making it up - or regurgitating an over-rehearsed response. |
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| 4. Emergency tactic |
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Could I come back to that later?" This isn't a preferred option, but it's better than giving a poor answer. Tell them you'd like time to think of a really relevant example. Bear in mind that a non-work example might be acceptable. |
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| 5. Don't answer it |
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There are some questions that simply shouldn’t be asked. If you think you've just had one of these (e.g. whether you're planning a family or not), then politely explain that you'd rather not discuss that in the context of an interview; you like to keep your work and home life separate. Stay calm and realise that this type of question is almost always asked innocently, as an ice-breaker. |
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The key to successful interviewing is giving answers that prove you're the obvious candidate for the job.
If you'd like to know how to do this, check out the Job Interview Tactics section.
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Next: Talking About Your Strengths And Weaknesses
How to handle the dreaded "what are your weaknesses?" question... |
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